Intense gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled agencies to halt over 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The gales are impacting the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, though authorities say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of wildfires.
